When driving the busy roadways in Miami for work, errands, or personal travel, you might not realize the high risk of car accidents. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that there are almost 125,000 crashes in South Florida every year, leading to around 725 deaths and injuring more than 69,000 people.
Victims have legal options, so it’s wise to get help from a Miami car accident attorney when seeking compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. However, you are also smart to avoid certain topics of conversation at the scene of a traffic collision.
Discussions About Fault
It is critical that you never take the blame or apologize after a crash, as Florida operates under a comparative negligence system. Saying “I’m sorry” or “It was my fault” can be misinterpreted as a legal admission of liability, even if you were simply being polite. This statement will certainly be used against you by the other driver’s insurance company.
Keep your discussion with the other party brief and limit it strictly to exchanging required information, such as:
- Names and contact information
- Insurance details
- License plate numbers
Refusing Medical Attention
Never tell a Miami Police officer or attending EMTs that you feel fine and don’t need medical care. Adrenaline and shock often mask the true severity of injuries, especially soft-tissue damage like whiplash. The opposing insurance company will later argue that if you were truly hurt, you would have accepted care immediately. Always insist on a full medical evaluation, even if you believe your injuries are minor.
Statements Downplaying Your Injuries
Avoid downplaying your pain or injuries to doctors, nurses, or your own insurance provider. Your statements can be extracted from medical notes or recorded conversations and used to weaken your claim. When speaking with medical professionals, be honest and specific about all the pain and discomfort you are experiencing.
Posts on Social Media
The scene of a crash is stressful, but resist the urge to post any details or photos on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. Insurance adjusters regularly monitor the social media accounts of injury claimants in Miami, FL. Even an innocent post, such as a picture of you smiling days later or talking about a quick outing, can be used against you. The insurer may argue that your life and injuries are not as severe as you claim. Until your case is fully resolved, refrain from posting any information related to the accident, your injuries, or your recovery process.
Consult With Our Miami Car Accident Lawyer for Free
You protect your rights by avoiding certain discussions at the scene of a crash, but another important point is to contact an auto collision lawyer right away. The dedicated attorneys at Gerson & Schwartz, PA, help injured clients across Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, FL. We can manage all essential tasks, from investigating the negligence that caused your accident to dealing with aggressive insurance adjusters. To set up a free, confidential consultation, visit us online or call our team today at (305) 371-6000.